Influence of Family Functionality and Self-Resilience on Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Among Secondary School Students

Abstract

The study investigates the influence of family functionality and self-resilience on stress, anxiety, and depression among secondary school students in Sabah, Malaysia. Employing a cross-sectional quantitative design, data was collected from 384 respondents using validated instruments: Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale III (FACES III), and the Resilience Scale. Results indicate significant relationships between family functionality and self-resilience with students' mental health outcomes. Family cohesion and adaptability emerged as protective factors, while self-resilience mediated the effects of family functionality on stress, anxiety, and depression. The findings underscore the critical role of supportive family environments and resilience in mitigating mental health challenges among adolescents. Recommendations for policy and interventions to enhance mental health support systems in schools are provided.